Brain Tumor Center
A brain tumor is a mass of unnecessary cells growing in the brain. There are two types of brain tumors: primary and metastatic. Primary brain tumors start growing in the brain and tend to stay there. Metastatic brain tumors begin as cancer in another part of the body and then spread to the brain.
Brain tumors can destroy brain cells and produce inflammation and pressure on the brain.
UC San Diego Neurological Institute has assembled a team of internationally recognized experts in neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, neuropathology and neuroimaging for the comprehensive research and treatment of benign and malignant brain tumors. People come to the Brain Tumor Center for:
Krista McFadden was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Here, she talks about her experience with awake brain surgery.
- Acoustic neuroma
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
- Astrocytoma
- Brain metastases
- Cavernous angiomas
- Craniopharyngioma
- Ependymoma
- Germinoma
- Glioblastoma multiforme
- Glioma
- Medulloblastoma or primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)
- Meningioma
- Oligoastrocytoma
- Oligodendroglioma
- Pineal tumors
- Pituitary tumors
Our goal is whole-body wellness. A brain tumor, whether isolated or not, can impact an individual’s cognition, movement, emotional health, speech – and their family, in a major way. The center collaborates with care providers and experts throughout UC San Diego Health System to provide the most complete treatment.
At the Forefront of GBM Research and Treatment
Glioblastomas are the most common and lethal form of brain tumor because they become resistant to treatment. UC San Diego researchers may know why — a discovery that could lead to more effective therapies. Learn more. Or link to GBM treatment info:
Technology
The Brain Tumor Center is equipped with the latest neuroimaging technology, systems and software available in the world. Our specialists are guided by distinct three-dimensional scans of the brain. Advanced technology means faster accurate diagnoses and precision treatment of brain tumors and their complications.
Treatment options include surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, chemotherapy and clinical trials using novel and experimental therapies. Read more about
brain tumor treatment and research at UC San Diego Health System.
Links
American Brain Tumor Association
Dedicated to eliminating brain tumors through research and to meeting the needs of brain tumor patients and their families.
National Brain Tumor Society
A nonprofit serving as a comprehensive resource for patients, families, caregivers, researchers and medical professionals in the brain tumor community.